Preparing for re-entry #llobo

Having raised the idea and let it percolate through me for a week or so, I know now that I really do want to settle for a while but I’m not sure how to do it. I need to switch gear somehow and start doing things differently. I trust that I’ll get direction by putting it through the same process that I’ve been using all along, which is to say here what I want and the options I can see, ask you all for help and go with what comes back. On Friday night I was singing the praises of this process, which did get me all the way from San Francisco to New York City in a month with lots of fun and adventure along the way, but somehow I’d forgotten that it can be applied to whatever I’m doing.

So, what do I want?

I want somewhere to live in London for the next two or three months, starting as soon as possible (yes I could move in tomorrow) and on to mid-February at least. After all, for the last two years, in March I’ve been setting out to conquer the USA, so that feels like a good window. I also want a reliable income that covers my basic needs.

I’ve learned that there are certain minimum things that I need above and beyond a roof over my head:

I’m not highly fussed about location as long as it’s safe, clean and warm. I can live right in the middle of the city but have found that living any further out than Zone 3 means too much of a commute for me. I use public transport a lot and I like the freedom of being able to purchase a weekly travelcard. I do prefer being in the South and West of London because that’s where my beloved and a lot of my support network is, but I’m glad to say that in the last year I have shed much prejudice and strong attachment to the area in which I live. Before, I felt very identified with having a postcode that started with W or SW…

I need at least the privacy of a space with a door that I can close. I live best when I can sleep when I need to and not feel obliged either to stay up later or to get up earlier than I feel like in the day. I also live best when I can comfortably practice prayer and meditation in a private space.

If there have to be animals around, then count me as a cat person. I am not a dog hater, but I don’t really get them. Dog-sitting would feel like very hard work to me. To the best of my knowledge I have no allergies to any type of pet.

Much of my work and social activity is internet-enabled. Access to a stable, fast and relatively high-capacity internet connection, beyond that provided by my phone contract is important.

I need regular exercise above and beyond walking. I like to swim. I’d love to be able to swim most days.

I need to be able to make music and make a noise from time to time. I get very cranky if I spend more than a few days without getting my ukulele out and singing without worrying about what the neighbours will think or whether I’m disturbing anyone.

I have found in the last four months that I need an absolute minimum £2,100 (before tax) a month to live comfortably. That includes travel and storage of my stuff, which would reduce if I were able to find a place to pause and unpack for a while, but it doesn’t include any rent or utility bills.

I have no regular income or savings at the moment, but I’m in that chicken and egg position of finding it difficult to commit to regular work without a regular home and vice versa. So the opportunity to gain either one would help.

To me, the ideal solution sounds like a 2-3 month house-sit for someone who’s going somewhere for the winter and some work that provides me with a basic income but also time to write and create (I’ve got a whole bunch of stuff to download from my brain from the last few months!) However, I know that my imagination in these circumstances can be severely limited, I’m up for all sorts of suggestions.

I'm the founder of the Tuttle Club and fascinated by organisation. I enjoy making social art and building communities, if you'd like some help from me feel free to e-mail me: Lloyd dot Davis at Gmail dot Com or call +44 (0)79191 82825